Yardbarker

Zac Wassink

Zac Wassink is a longtime sports news writer and PFWA member who began his career in 2006 and has had his work featured on Yardbarker, MSN, Yahoo Sports and Bleacher Report. He is also a football and futbol aficionado who is probably yelling about Tottenham Hotspur at the moment and who chanted for Matt Harvey to start the ninth inning of Game 5 of the 2015 World Series at Citi Field. You can find him on X at @ZacWassink

EXPERTISE:

NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, Premier League, MLS, US Soccer, UFC

Panthers' Bryce Young reportedly had strong reaction to benching

Young, the first pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, holds a 2-16 career record as an NFL starter. 

Insiders update if Steelers' Justin Fields can take full-time starting job from Russell Wilson

Fields tallied one touchdown pass with no interceptions over his first two starts with Pittsburgh, and he also rushed for 84 yards on 22 carries. 

Jets' Aaron Rodgers discusses early-season test on repaired Achilles

Roughly one year after New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers required surgery to repair a torn Achilles, he will play his third game in 11 days on Thursday.

Mets' Pete Alonso answers own passionate call amid Francisco Lindor injury

The 83-68 Mets began Wednesday tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second of three wild-card spots.

Tom Brady opens up about big challenge of going from playing to broadcasting

Brady is learning a whole new aspect of the game on the fly.

What Chargers reportedly saw from Panthers' Bryce Young before benching

In total, Young completed 18-of-26 passes for a paltry 84 yards with no touchdowns and an interception against the Chargers in Week 2. 

Baker Mayfield explains how Buccaneers 'weren’t having as much fun' with Tom Brady

Buccaneers starting quarterback Baker Mayfield discussed what's changed about the Bucs since the Tom Brady era.

Reporter questions if Bill Belichick would choose Giants over Cowboys

Could the legendary head coach end up with one of these franchises as he pursues an NFL record?

How legends, new OC helped Saints' Derek Carr become early MVP candidate

Carr guided the Saints to a 47-10 Week 1 win over the Carolina Panthers and an impressive 44-19 victory at the Dallas Cowboys this past Sunday. 

NFL analyst addresses if Ravens HC John Harbaugh is on hot seat

For an article published on Tuesday, ESPN analyst Ben Solak was asked by a reader if Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh is on the hot seat in the closing days of summer. 

Insider explains how Steelers reduced Justin Fields' 'margin of error'

Fields tossed just one touchdown pass over his first two starts with Pittsburgh, and he added 84 rushing yards on 22 carries. 

More than just poor play factored into Panthers' Bryce Young benching

Panthers beat writer Joseph Person expanded upon Dave Canales' decision to bench Bryce Young during the latest edition of The Athletic's "Scoop City" podcast.

Mets trying to protect 'vibes' amid Francisco Lindor injury, playoff chase

The 82-68 Mets enter Tuesday's MLB action holding a one-game lead over the rival Atlanta Braves in the battle for the National League's final wild-card playoff spot. 

Giants legend tries to explain Brian Daboll kicker blunder

Head coach Brian Daboll continues to receive criticism for his handling of the kicker spot on the roster heading into the team's Week 2 game.

Patriots HC addresses Drake Maye, Jacoby Brissett chatter amid passing struggles

If Brissett has a bad night against the Jets on Thursday, the Patriots may have to consider using the extra time to get Maye ready to play at the San Francisco 49ers on Sept. 29. 

Insider addresses if Dolphins could trade for Steelers' Russell Wilson

Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa must recover from setbacks related to his latest concussion that he suffered in this past Thursday's 31-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. 

Insider addresses if Jermaine Johnson injury will change Jets' handling of Haason Reddick situation

Could the recent injury change up New York's handling of its standoff with Reddick?

Report shares when Sidney Crosby informed Penguins he'd sign contract extension

There reportedly wasn't much doubt among the parties that a deal would be reached before the upcoming campaign got underway.

Reporter suggests Giants could make in-season Brian Daboll move

The Giants are off to a rough start in 2024. Is it possible their head coach doesn't make it through the season?

Pete Alonso reflects on possible last homestand of Mets career

Alonso is doing all he can to focus on the Mets' pursuit of a playoff berth rather than on the fact that he could be playing the final home games of his tenure with what's been his only MLB club since he made his big league debut back in 2019. 

Jets reportedly wanted this QB before they traded for Aaron Rodgers in 2023

Before the New York Jets acquired future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers in April 2023, the Jets met with this veteran signal-caller.

Panthers two-time Pro Bowler passionately defends Bryce Young after latest loss

Following Carolina's disheartening 26-3 home loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday afternoon, the Panthers veteran wide receiver and two-time Pro Bowl selection offered a passionate defense of his QB1.

Giants' Daniel Jones responds to ESPN report about possible benching

Jones addressed reports that he could be benched to ensure the injury guarantee attached to his contract doesn't become an issue for the Giants.